Our History

D. Byrne & Co. began its history in the 1870’s when Denis Byrne, son of an Irish surgeon, set up shop in Clitheroe. In his day we supplied farms across the fells with groceries and animal feed by horse and cart, with wines and spirits being only a small line of trade.

Our cellars date back to the early 18th century, but the shop is firmly Victorian. The building itself has changed little architecturally, customers walking through the door of D. Byrne & Co and into the cellars below street level would be forgiven for thinking they had stepped back in time. Housed in this wonderful old shop is a staggering selection of the finest quality wines and spirits to be found under one roof anywhere in the country. The atmosphere in the shop is worth a visit in itself – the creak of the old floorboards, the smell of freshly ground coffee and the tinkle of bottles deep in the cellars. We no longer sell cattle feed and horse pills but the great Victorian values of good service still hold true.

D. Byrne & Co. is and always has been family run, these days by Denis Byrne’s great grandsons, Andrew and Philip, originating from a family of fourteen children. In recent years Andrew’s son, Joseph joined the partnership, making us a five generation dynasty!

We are understandably proud of the awards and national recognition that has come our way over the years. Great fun was had by all when Jancis Robinson and her team filmed us for her BBC documentary series ‘Vintners Tales’. Our most recent accolades came in the form of winning The International Wine Challenge Small Independent Merchant of the Year, North West Merchant of the Year and Champagne Specialist of the Year 2011.

Traditional yet forward looking we take pride in the many accolades which have come our way over the years, but our greatest satisfaction is derived from seeing customers return to us for the service and selection they have come to love and expect.